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Women's History Month Spotlight: Chief Josephine Keller

  • Published
Chief Master Sgt. Josephine Keller is the Chief Enlisted Manager for the 403rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron here.

Keller joined the Air Force Reserve in September 1991. As the chief enlisted manager for the 403rd ASTS and member of the Aeromedical Staging Squadron Executive Management Committee, she works directly for the commander advising and providing assistance on enlisted matters such as training, readiness and career progression. As the unit’s senior enlisted advisor she collaborates with leadership to identify ways to improve processes and procedures to meet the squadron, wing and Air Force missions.

Prior to her assignment at Keesler AFB, she served for two year as the 452nd Air Mobility Wing Yellow Ribbon representative serving 4,000-plus wing members. Coordinating with the Air Force Reserve Yellow Ribbon Office, the wing integrated delivery system and other wing agencies, she advised, managed and assisted in administering support to service members and their families. Keller directly supported traditional reservists, individual mobilization augmentees, active guard reserve, and air reserve technicians throughout the five phases of deployment.

A graduate of Community College of the Air Force with an Associate’s Degree in Human Health Sciences, Keller is on the Dean’s List at Trident University International pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Human Resources and Leadership.

Keller’s career includes 23 years in aeromedical evacuation providing expert care airlifting patients all around the globe. In addition, she served as flight/ground safety representative, flight instructor, acting First Sergeant, operation support superintendent, medical readiness non-commissioned officer in charge, career advisor, and NCO in charge of standardization and evaluation.

A decorated veteran, her military medals include the Purple Heart, three Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor, Air Force Achievement Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Keller has deployed multiple times in Support of Operations Southern Watch, Joint Guard, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and Noble Eagle.
An advocate for all veterans she volunteers for several organizations providing education and awareness of benefits. Veteran’s organizations take care of their veterans past and present as well as their families, widows and orphans. She was also named Woman Veterans Advocate for her region providing vital information to assist with education, abuse victims and homelessness.

An active member on and off duty Keller has also been recognized by the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Cody in 2014 for outstanding support of the wing’s Yellow Ribbon Program. She was awarded the Order of the Diamond by 452nd AMW First Sergeants Council for significant contributions to the wing in 2014, and in 2013, the American Legion Auxiliary named her Air Force Woman of the Year for the state of California. She also won the ALA AF Woman of the Year at the National level in 2013.

Her professional affiliations include: 403rd Wing Chiefs Group, 403rd Aeromedical Staging Squadron’s Top 3, Military Order of the Purple Hearts -- Life Member, AMVETS Post 77, American Legion Post 289, American Legion Auxiliary Post 289, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1744 (commander 2008-2009 and senior vice commander, 2006-20080, Women’s Memorial Foundation, 452nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Key Spouse, and Air Force Sergeants Association.